Andrew Gale on his best behaviour as Yorkshire go a step closer to retaining County Championship crown

Danny Hall

Tykes captain Andrew Gale has vowed to be on his best behaviour after Yorkshire moved closer to retaining their County Championship crown.

Gale was denied the chance to lift the Division One trophy last season after he was banned, following a verbal spat with Lancashire’s Ashwell Prince.

After beating Somerset by an innings inside three days at Headingley, Yorkshire will win the league again if they avoid defeat in their next match, against Middlesex at Lord’s.

And Gale is determined to make sure he can play a full part in the celebrations.

“We have not spoken during the game about how close we are to retaining the Championship title but everyone is aware how few points we still need,” he said.

“It would be especially nice to win the title next week at Lord’s, the headquarters of cricket.”

“I have been determined to keep my mouth shut in the last few games,” he added.

“It will be a big incentive, after last year, to lift the trophy myself.”

Yorkshire, who beat Somerset by an innings and 126 runs, now turn their attention to the one-day format, and their Royal London One Day Cup semi-final clash against Gloucestershire at Headingley on Sunday.

“This win will give the lads even more confidence going into that game.

“The prospect of doing the double for the club is massive.

“We have never done it before and we will really have the bit between our teeth.”

Yorkshire, who posted 391 in their first innings thanks to scores of 91 from Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow, blew Somerset away for 110 and 155.

Jack Brooks took seven wickets in the match for the champions-elect.

Somerset captain, Marcus Trescothick, said: “This was a comprehensive defeat and we were completely outplayed and not in the game after losing the toss.

“Yorkshire have executed their skills far greater than we did in every aspect of the game and we were not good enough over the three days. It is why they will almost certainly be champions for the second year and they have shown what the benchmark is if you are to compete in this competition.

"The ball swung around today and Yorkshire bowled well but the damage had already been done.”